Lateran Baptistery, Rome

Name: Lateran Baptistery
Address: Via Locri, Rome, 00184, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 6988 6452

#252 among attractions in Rome

Church, Sacred and religious sites

Gallery (5)

Map

Gallery

Facts and practical information

The domed octagonal Lateran Baptistery stands somewhat apart from the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome, to which it has become joined by later construction. This baptistery was founded by Pope Sixtus III in 440, perhaps on an earlier structure, for a legend grew up that Constantine the Great had been baptized there and enriched the structure. However it is more likely that if he was baptized it was in the Eastern part of the Roman Empire and possibly by an Arian bishop. This baptistry was for many generations the only baptistery in Rome, and its octagonal structure, centered upon the large octagonal basin for full immersions, provided a model for others throughout Italy, and even an iconic motif of illuminated manuscripts, "The fountain of Life". ()

Local name: Battistero lateranense Architectural style: Paleochristian architectureCoordinates: 41°53'10"N, 12°30'15"E

Address

Via LocriMontiRome 00184 Italy

Contact

+39 06 6988 6452

Website

Social media

Facebook

Rome

Day trips

Lateran Baptistery – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Major basilica, Lateran Palace, Museum of the Liberation of Rome.

~370 ftE
, Baroque architecture, Church
Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome
2 min walk • The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, standing majestically in the heart of Rome, Italy, is not only the oldest church in the Western world but also holds the unique title of being the Cathedral of Rome and the ecumenical mother church of Roman Catholic faithful.
~520 ftE
Church
Major basilica, Rome
3 min walk • Rome, the eternal city, is home to some of the most awe-inspiring religious architecture in the world, and among its treasures are the four major basilicas, which are paramount to the Catholic Church. These basilicas hold a rank above all other churches due to their...
~420 ftNE
Vernacular architecture, Palace
Lateran Palace, Rome
3 min walk • The Lateran Palace, an ancient edifice with a storied past, stands proudly in the heart of Rome, Italy. As the former papal residence, this palace has been a central figure in the religious and political history of the city.
~1110 ftNE
Museum, History museum, Art museum
Museum of the Liberation of Rome, Rome
6 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Museum of the Liberation of Rome (Museo storico della Liberazione - Roma) stands as a solemn testament to the city's turbulent history during World War II. Located on Via Tasso, this museum is housed in a building that once served as...
0.4 miNW
Medieval church on pagan and Roman ruins
San Clemente, Rome
10 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Rome, Italy, the Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano stands as a remarkable testament to the city's layered history. This minor basilica, lesser-known than some of Rome's grander churches, is a treasure trove for those interested in...
~810 ftNE
Ancient holy steps within a sanctuary
Scala Santa, Rome
4 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Scala Santa, or Holy Stairs, is a sanctuary of profound religious significance and a magnet for pilgrims and tourists alike. According to tradition, these are the steps that Jesus ascended during his Passion, on his way to face trial...
0.5 miNW
Shopping, Shopping district
Gay Street, Rome
13 min walk • The Gay Street is an area in Rome, Italy designated as a gay- and lesbian-friendly neighborhood. A 300-metre shopping and bar area in the center of the city on Via San Giovanni in Laterano, a street leading to the east flank of the Colosseum, it was formally designated in 2007.
~540 ftNW
Church, Baroque architecture
Santi Andrea e Bartolomeo, Rome
3 min walk • Santi Andrea e Bartolomeo is a Catholic church in Rome, in the Rione Monti, on Via Santo Stefano Rotondo.
~1850 ftNW
Church, Romanesque architecture, Historical place
Santi Quattro Coronati, Rome
9 min walk • Santi Quattro Coronati is an ancient basilica in Rome, Italy. The church dates back to the 4th century, and is devoted to four anonymous saints and martyrs.
0.4 miW
Church, Sacred and religious sites, Ruins
Santo Stefano Rotondo, Rome
11 min walk • The Basilica of St. Stephen in the Round on the Celian Hill is an ancient basilica and titular church in Rome, Italy.
0.4 miW
Fountain
Fontana della Navicella, Rome
12 min walk • The Fontana della Navicella is a fountain built around a marble and travertine replica of an Ancient Roman sculpture, depicting a decorated Roman Galley, and erected in front of the church of Santa Maria in Domnica of Rome, Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Lateran Baptistery?

Nearby attractions include Lateran Obelisk, Rome (2 min walk), Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome (2 min walk), Vatican Historical Museum, Rome (3 min walk), Lateran Palace, Rome (3 min walk).

How to get to Lateran Baptistery by public transport?

The nearest stations to Lateran Baptistery:

Bus

P.za S. Giovanni in Laterano • Lines: 673, 714, 717, 792, 81, L08, L80 (1 min walk)
Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano • Lines: 117, 16, 51, 650, 665, 85, 87 (2 min walk)

Tram

Labicana/Merulana • Lines: 3, 8 (6 min walk)
Manzoni/Merulana • Lines: 3, 8 (7 min walk)

Metro

San Giovanni • Lines: A, C (8 min walk)
Manzoni • Lines: A (9 min walk)

Light rail

Termini Laziali • Lines: Fc1 (20 min walk)
Roma Termini • Lines: Fl6, Fl7 (26 min walk)

Train

Roma Termini (26 min walk)
Roma Tuscolana (29 min walk)